Art Studio
The atmosphere of this area provides a setting conducive to free exploration of materials. With both overhead doors open the children are provided with a flow of art activity into the outdoor setting. Appropriate ground cover and a floor drain makes cleanup a breeze so children are not inhibited for fear of spilling something. Children have direct access to a wide variety of materials and activities which they can use and cleanup independently. Painting is offered every day, and though smocks are available to children who feel uncomfortable with the possibility of getting messy things on their clothing, they are not required for participation. In fact, insisting upon the use of smocks often discourages children from ever returning to art activities.
Block Area
This area provides a large open space for the use of unit blocks. Because the use of the unit blocks is where we want children to focus their attention, other supportive materials are kept to a minimum and frequently rotate so as not to dominate or control the block play.
Math Area
Math Materials are used in a specific way to promote the development of mathematical knowledge. Children will manipulate unifix cubes in long trains, but with the focus on color patterns created, which one is longer, how many cubes are in the shorter train, etc. The math area houses math related materials children use throughout the classroom and outdoors providing children a consistent access point. When children need to measure something anywhere in the environment, they can come to the math materials shelf and find a variety of informal and formal measuring tools depending upon their developmental level.
Science Area
Science is everywhere - inside and outside. The science area provides a place for focused observation where exploratory materials are readily available. Children know this is where to come when they find a worm outside and need a "bug house" and magnifying lenses for more extensive exploration. Developmentally appropriate hands-on science experiences are set up daily.
Dramatic Play Area
The Dramatic Play Area has a two-story loft and a large quantity of materials, which encourages imitative, imaginary, and dramatic play. Water is always available for use from faucets with controlled flow and temperature in this area. Dress up clothing, furnishings, and play props rotate through this area depending on the needs and interests expressed by the children through their play and conversations.
Music and Movement
Materials in the Music and Movement Studio are available to encourage active movement which can flow quite naturally outdoors when the overhead door is open. Music-making materials, such as instruments, and movement materials such as scarves and hoops, provide creative, large motor dance and music activities. Materials are displayed for individual selection and children have access to pre-recorded music and audio equipment they can operate independently.
Sensory Table
The sensory table is set up to provide children experiences with materials that can easily be poured so that children can dig into, fill containers and pour. The play dough table is close by. Play dough is a Manipulative activity but needs some separation from the puzzles and manipulative toys so that these items cannot be ruined by the dough. Play dough is provided as a consistent daily activity. Some children rely upon the play dough table to provide a comfortable transitional activity when they arrive.
Kitchen
The CDC has a fully equipped and stocked commercial kitchen with touches of warmth from the natural hardwood cabinets. State Licensing Regulations do not permit children access to the kitchen unless it is part of a planned, supervised cooking experience. Therefore, gates have been installed to limit access. Because the kitchen is open to the classroom, adults can continue to interact with children and provide visual supervision of the classroom while engaged in food preparation.
Library
Even though literacy activities take place throughout the classroom environment, the Library is set up to give children a very clear message as to the importance we place on literacy activities. The room has a large window area providing natural lighting for quiet, focused literacy related experiences appropriate for this age range.
Light Play Alcove
The light table is set up in an alcove surrounded by reflective surfaces so that children can explore transparent materials and discover the nature of light and reflection. The light table is set up in an alcove surrounded by reflective surfaces so that children can explore transparent materials and discover the nature of light and reflection. The light table is set up in an alcove surrounded by reflective surfaces so that children can explore transparent materials and discover the nature of light and reflection.